Road to Recovery

It may be a while before we can savour the poetry that permeates French landscapes. But as a step ahead, the government has revealed concrete measures to support the tourism industry.

FRANCE’S TOURISM INDUSTRY is considered one of the jewels in the country’s economy. Naturally, the pandemic brought things to a screeching halt earlier this year. But the light at the end of the tunnel may finally be in sight. During the Fifth Interministerial Tourism Committee meeting held on May 14, the French Prime Minister, alongside key stakeholders, drew up a list of concrete steps that the government would take to support the tourism industry.

The blueprint focusses on three areas. For starters, health measures, information, and reassurance for travellers will be priority. Secondly, in order to move from a state of emergency to recovery, a total of €18 billion has been extended to support tourism-related businesses, including sporting and cultural events. Lastly, the government plans on preparing a solid contract for tourism recovery and transformation.

Atout France, the France Tourism Development Agency, has been entrusted with several tasks. On the health and sanitation front, the agency will work on bringing together dynamic industry players under one initiative that encourages everyone to identify and relay health protocols across all tourism activities. In June, a communication campaign, in partnership with stakeholders, will kick-start the recovery of the tourism sector to encourage people to travel within France once again. Businesses and start-ups will be consulted to help build the tourism of tomorrow, and an online platform for sharing data on France’s tourism offerings will be set up.

The good news is that France, as well as its overseas territories, will gradually open for domestic travel in July and August. As far as international travel is concerned, restrictions on France’s borders with countries in the European Union, the Schengen Area, and the United Kingdom have been extended until at least June 15. For more information, visit france.fr.

―

T TAKES ME AROUND 45 minutes to go from the airport to Gaj

Kesri, a beautiful hotel tucked in a remote village called Nainon Ka Bas. The moment I land at the property, I realise I am in for a royal treat. I take a tour and glance through the art on display. I am told that it is Usta art—more specifically, naqqashi and manoti work practised by the legendary Usta artisans of Bikaner.

Every corner of the hotel evokes a sense of heritage and tradition. It’s no surprise that Gaj Kesri is part of the Basavan Art Hotels.

Next, I head to the hotel’s Polki Restaurant for lunch. It’s true to its promise of vegetarian Marwari cuisine. A delicious meal leads to a sound afternoon nap. In my room, some more motifs stand out— traditionally designed furniture and walls painted with fine detailing lend the space a palatial look and feel.

I wake up to the sound of music. A group of local musicians is playing at the chowk in the hotel. It’s an evening ritual here, I learn. As dusk falls, the walls of the hotel light up. Before I know it, I’m relishing a fun cocktail night, where I meet the owner—and architect—of Gaj Kesri. Sunil Rampuria belongs to the sixth generation of the renowned Rampuria family of Bikaner. Over dinner, he talks to me about growing up in Kolkata and moving to Bikaner to take care of the ancestral haveli built by his forefather, Bhanwarlalji Rampuria, in 1927. Better known as Bhanwar Niwas, the haveli now doubles as a hotel—the second Basavan Art

I

The lavender fields in the country are in full bloom in the month of July.

From left: The courtyard at Gaj Kesri; the traditionally designed furniture and walls lend the rooms a palatial look.